SGLT2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes: Cardiorenal Protection Mechanisms and Clinical Outcomes

Nakawungu Catherine

Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Kampala International University Uganda

Email: catherine.nakawungu@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

                                                                    ABSTRACT
Type 2 diabetes mellitus was a complex metabolic disorder associated with a high burden of cardiovascular and renal complications, which remained the leading causes of morbidity and mortality despite advances in glycemic control strategies. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors emerged as a novel class of antidiabetic agents that extended therapeutic benefits beyond glucose lowering, particularly in cardiovascular and renal protection. The purpose of this review was to critically examine the biochemical, physiological, and clinical mechanisms through which SGLT2 inhibitors conferred cardiorenal benefits in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. A narrative literature synthesis of experimental studies, mechanistic research, and large-scale randomized clinical trials was employed to develop this review. Evidence indicated that SGLT2 inhibitors exerted multifaceted protective effects, including modulation of renal hemodynamics, improvement in myocardial energetics, reduction of systemic inflammation, and favorable alterations in metabolic and neurohormonal pathways. Clinical trials consistently demonstrated significant reductions in heart failure hospitalization, progression of chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular mortality. SGLT2 inhibitors represented a paradigm shift in the management of Type 2 diabetes by addressing both metabolic control and end-organ protection. Their integration into routine clinical practice was strongly supported, with continued research warranted to refine patient selection and explore long-term outcomes across diverse populations.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, SGLT2 inhibitors, Cardiorenal protection, Cardiovascular outcomes, Diabetic kidney disease.

CITE AS: Nakawungu Catherine (2026). SGLT2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes: Cardiorenal Protection Mechanisms and Clinical Outcomes. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES, 7(2):131-134.
https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2026/72.131134